'Thin Ice'

'Thin Ice' (R) (rental)

Written by Jill and Karen Sprecher
Directed by Jill Sprecher
Actors: Greg Kinnear, Billy Crudup, Alan Arkin, Lea Thompson, Bob Balaban

Some movies probably look really good after they are made but then are ruined in the editing room. After seeing the new twisty crime thriller "Thin Ice" I read that the film's makers had their movie wrestled away from them by the studios and re-edited by them. I could feel something was wrong here, it is a fun, quiet and well acted movie but it feels like a lot was cut from it and I have heard it was about 20 minutes. The movie sets up a great wintry location, builds some good and quirky characters and starts flowing. Half way through though it just skips ahead to the ending like something was missing to build suspense into the climax. The movie just ends explaining all it's twists in a summary.

The movie is not worth your time on the big screen but the acting is really good and the story is fun sometimes. I really can't explain the plot because I don't want to give away any surprises. Let's just say that the under rated Greg Kinnear plays an insurance agent who gets involved with a priceless violin and an insurance scam. There is also a security systems installer played by the wonderful Billy Crudup and both men become unlikely partners. Greg Kinnear is very likable even when playing an arrogant and not too bright man. I also love Billy Crudup who we should see more of and Billy is very funny in a subtle way. The movie is a breezy and enjoyable entertainment but I kept thinking of "Fargo" which this is like and "Thin Ice" you are no "Fargo".

P.S. The writers and directors are sisters and obviously women. I was thinking about my 2011 trend of female directors and actors making a comeback and a providing a new voice and emerging in Hollywood, especially female directors. How sad is it that the studio took the Sprecher sister's film away from them and re-edited it and why am I thinking sexist Hollywood is at it again. Also a movie better than "Thin Ice" is the perfect and wonderful Coen Brothers classic "Fargo".